Interchangeable purse system

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable purse system has one or more interchangeable purse lining members. A removable lining member is provided which is removably attached within an outer purse portion. The outer purse portion can be a fully independently usable purse itself, or can be constructed so as to require the removable lining. Thus, the removable lining member can be placed within different outer purse portions. The removable lining can have its own closure, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like. The outer purse portion does not necessarily need its own closure, but can optionally include its own closure, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like. The outer purse portion can have an overlying portion which covers and can attach to the region of the removable lining surrounding the closure portion thereof. This overlying portion can, for example, surround the zipper or other closure feature of the removable lining member. The outer purse portion can be a fully independently usable purse itself, or can be constructed so as to require the removable lining. Thus, the removable lining can be placed within different outer purse portions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an interchangeable purse system, having one or more interchangeable purse linings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Purses having linings are generally known in the art.

Some purse systems are also know in the art, and are described in one or more of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,543,499 to McCreery; 6,394,157 to Luna; 6,186,201 toSalz; 6,095,213 to Roegner; 6,003,573 to Owens; 5,911,262 to Steinhart; 5,894,975 to Holden et al.; 4,754,790 to Meyers; and 5,207,254 to Fromm.

It is, however, a problem in the art to provide an interchangeable purse system, having one or more interchangeable purse linings.

It is a further problem in the art to provide an interchangeable purse system, having one or more interchangeable purse linings, which is convenient, simple to use, and relatively economical to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a system or device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a system and device are provided which meet the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art.

More particularly, the invention relates to an interchangeable purse system, having one or more interchangeable purse lining members. A removable lining member is provided, which is removably attached within an outer purse portion. The outer purse portion can be a fully independently usable purse itself, or can be constructed so as to require the removable lining. Thus, the removable lining member can be placed within different outer purse portions.

The removable lining can have its own closure, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like. The outer purse portion does not necessarily need its own closure, but can optionally include its own closure, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like.

Further, in the interchangeable purse system, the outer purse portion can have an overlying portion which covers and can attach to the region of the removable lining surrounding the closure portion thereof. This overlying portion can, for example, surround the the zipper (or other closure feature) of the removable lining member. The outer purse portion can be a fully independently usable purse itself, or can be constructed so as to require the removable lining. Thus, the removable lining can be placed within different outer purse portions.

Further, the removable lining member is preferably attachable within the outer purse portion by readily attachable and detachable fasteners. Such fasteners can be hook-and-loop fastener strips on either one or both of the outer purse portion and the removable lining member. Such fasteners can also include magnets, or snap fasteners, or other readily attachable and detachable attachment devices.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interchangeable purse system, having an interchangeable purse lining shown in phantom outline, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable lining member of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a front side of the removable lining member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a right side of the removable lining member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a bottom side of the removable member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an outer purse portion which is itself a removable lining for a larger outer purse member.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6 shown inserted within a larger outer purse member.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6 shown inserted within an a larger outer purse member.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view, a would be seen along line 9-9 of FIG. 7, of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6 shown inserted within an a larger outer purse member.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment, wherein the larger outer purse member of FIG. 6 is itself inserted into a substantially larger outer member in the form of a briefcase.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pair of magnets usable as an alternative embodiment of a separable fastener system in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top elevational view of a top panel of the outer purse portion of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interchangeable purse system 100, having an outer purse portion 10 and an interchangeable purse lining 30 which is shown in phantom outline. The interchangeable purse lining 30 has a zipper member 20 seen along the top side thereof in FIG. 1.

The outer purse portion 10 of FIG. 1 has identical front and rear panels 11, and identical side panels 18. The outer purse portion 10 also has a bottom panel 15, and a top panel 16. The top panel 16 has an opening 19 therein (shown in FIG. 12) and side portions 14, 14 which are preferably detachably attached to the top portion of the interchangeable purse lining 30, so that the zipper member 20 is accessible through the opening 19. The outer purse portion 10 has a plurality of edges 12, while the interchangeable purse lining 30 has a plurality of edges 32.

The opening 19 is preferably sized to admit the interchangeable purse lining 30 therethrough, and can be somewhat smaller than the interchangeable purse lining 30 if the interchangeable purse lining 30 is composed of flexible material which can be deformed to fit through the opening 20. If the interchangeable purse lining 30 is composed of non-bendable material, however, then the opening 19 will be larger than top side of the interchangeable purse lining 30.

Alternatively, the top side 16 of the outer purse portion 10 may itself be an openable panel, secured to the other sides of the outer purse portion 10 by a zipper, snaps, or other attachment means which would be within the ambit of one skilled in the purse arts. In that case, the opening 19 need only be sized to be about the same length and width of the zipper member 20 of the interchangeable purse lining 30.

The outer purse portion 10 is preferably composed of any known type of purse material, including fabrics, leathers, plastics, or composite materials. Novelty materials can also be used for the outer purse portion 10, including thin sheet metal. The interchangeable purse lining 30 likewise is preferably composed of any known type of purse lining material, including silks, fabrics, leathers, plastics, or composite materials. Novelty materials can also be used for the interchangeable purse lining 30, including thin sheet metal. In the preferred embodiment, textiles from African or Middle Eastern countries are used for the outer purse portion 10.

According to the preferred embodiment, the interchangeable purse system 100 includes at least one interchangeable purse lining 30, and preferably includes a plurality of outer purse portions 10. The plurality of outer purse portions 10 can be of different sizes, shapes, fabrics, and have different securing means for securing the interchangeable purse lining 30 therein. The removable lining member 30 is preferably composed simply of a typical purse lining material, but can also be formed as a fully independently usable purse itself.

The closure portion of the interchangeable purse lining 30 is preferably a zipper, but can instead include any known type of closure means such as a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like. The outer purse portion 10 does not need its own closure means, although it may optionally include its own closure (not shown) for securing and exposing the opening 19, such as a zipper, a snap fastener, an openable clasp member, a hook-and-loop fastener member, and the like.

The edges 12 of the outer purse portion 10 may be either flexible, flaccid, or stiff. Additionally, the edges 12 may be reinforced such as by a bendable wire, flexible cord, or by a semi-rigid wire member such as a hard rubber material or the like. These and all such variations within the ambit of one skilled in the purse manufacturing arts are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the interchangeable purse system, the outer purse portion 10 preferably has an overlying portion 14, 14 which covers and can attach to the region of the removable lining surrounding the closure portion thereof. This overlying portion can, for example, surround the zipper 20 (or other closure feature) of the removable lining member 30. The outer purse portion 10 can be a fully independently usable purse itself, or can be constructed so as to require the removable lining 30. Thus, the removable lining can be placed within different outer purse portions 10.

Further, the removable lining member is preferably attachable within the outer purse portion by readily attachable and detachable fastener means such as hook-and-loop fastener material. Such fasteners can be hook-and-loop fastener strips on either one or both of the outer purse portion and the removable lining member. Such hook-and-loop fastener material fasteners are well known, and can be in the form of squares, rectangles, circles or ovals, and elongated rectangular strips. Additionally, either the outer purse portion 10 or the interchangeable purse lining 30 can carry the hook-and-loop fastener material provided that hook-and-loop fastener material is engageable with the material of the other one of the members 10 and 30. Alternatively, the hook-and-loop fastener material need not be used, and instead the faster means can also include paired magnets (such as is shown in FIG. 11), or snap fasteners, or other readily attachable and detachable attachment devices known in the purse manufacture arts. These and all such variations within the ambit of one skilled in the purse manufacturing arts are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable lining member 30 of FIG. 1. In this view, opposed sidewalls 36, 36 are shown, opposed front and rear walls 38, 38 shown, a bottom wall 39 is shown, and a top wall 37 is shown having the zipper member 20 therein.

While in the preferred embodiment the outer purse portion 10 and interchangeable purse lining 30 are shown as having substantially rectangular prismatic bodies, other shapes would also be usable including semi-cylindrical, polygonal, and oblong. These and all such variations within the ambit of one skilled in the purse manufacturing arts are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a front side 38 of the removable lining member 30 of FIG. 2, wherein a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener material squares 50 are shown. While specific shapes are shown, the hook-and-loop fastener material can be in the form of thin strips, or other shapes as mentioned hereinabove. These and all such variations within the ambit of one skilled in the purse manufacturing arts are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a right side 36 of the removable lining member of FIG. 2, wherein a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener material squares 50 are shown. While specific shapes are shown, the hook-and-loop fastener material can be in the form of thin strips, or other shapes as mentioned hereinabove.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a bottom side 39 of the removable member of FIG. 2, wherein a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener material squares 50 are shown. While specific shapes are shown, the hook-and-loop fastener material can be in the form of thin strips, or other shapes as mentioned hereinabove.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an outer purse portion 10 a which is itself a removable lining for a larger outer purse member 60 (shown in FIGS. 7-9). In this alternative embodiment, a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener material strips 51 are disposed on the outer surfaces of the outer purse portion 10 a. However, these strips 51 may instead be applied only on the interior of the larger outer purse member 60, so that the appearance of the outer purse portion 10 a is not marred by the appearance of the strips 51.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6, wherein the outer purse portion 10 a is shown inserted within the larger outer purse member 60. In this view, the larger outer purse member 60 has an interior support wall 62 which supports the lowermost part of the outer purse portion 10 a, and also includes opposed interior sidewalls 61 which support the sides of the outer purse portion 10 a.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the outer purse portion 10 a of FIG. 7, shown inserted within an the larger outer purse member 60. In this view, the larger outer purse member 60 has a pair of interior support walls 63 which support the purse portion 10 a.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view, a would be seen along line 9-9 of FIG. 7, of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8. Here, the arrangement of the supporting walls 61, 62, and 63 is evident in a schematic manner. In FIG. 9, the outer purse portion 10 a is shown as being centrally situated within the larger outer purse member 60. However, it is contemplated that other arrangements of the outer purse portion 10 a are likewise possible and usable in the present invention; for example, the outer purse portion 10 a may be situated in an off-center manner, or may be disposed in a corner of the larger outer purse member 60, or at varying spacings from the outmost walls (not numbered) of the larger outer purse member 60.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment, wherein the larger outer purse member 60 of FIGS. 6-9 is itself inserted into a substantially larger outer member in the form of a briefcase 70. In this view, the briefcase is shown as having typical elements such as a handle 72 and latches 73, 73.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pair of magnets 82, 84 which are usable as an alternative embodiment of a separable fastener system in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top elevational view of a top panel 16 of the outer purse portion 10 of FIG. 1. In this view, the side portions 14, 14 are shown. In the preferred embodiment, hook-and-loop fastener material is disposed between the portions 14, 14 and the top of the interchangeable purse lining 30, so that the opening 19 of the top panel 16 is closely secured about the zipper 20 of the interchangeable purse lining 30.

The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. 

1. An interchangeable purse system comprising: an outer purse portion; and an interchangeable purse lining; wherein the interchangeable purse lining is adapted to be received within the outer purse portion.
 2. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 1, further comprising an openable closure member disposed on a top portion of the interchangeable purse lining.
 3. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 2, wherein the outer purse portion has an uppermost panel, the uppermost panel having an opening therein adapted to expose the openable closure member of the interchangeable purse lining.
 4. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 1, further comprising stiffener elements disposed adjacent edges of the outer purse portion.
 5. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 1, further comprising stiffener elements disposed adjacent edges of the interchangeable purse lining.
 6. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of detachably attachable connection members for detachably connecting the outer purse portion and the interchangeable purse lining.
 7. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 6, wherein the detachably attachable connection members are patches of hook-and-loop fastener material.
 8. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 6, wherein the detachably attachable connection members are snap fasteners.
 9. An interchangeable purse system according to claim 6, wherein the detachably attachable connection members are pairs of magnets.
 10. An interchangeable purse system comprising: a plurality of successively larger sized outer purse portions; and an interchangeable purse lining adapted to be received within the smallest one of the outer purse portions. 